Why should the indigenous languages of Panama be preserved Research Paper

Why should the indigenous languages of Panama be preserved - Research Paper Example bout a half of the indigenous populations of the state, and are thus an important facet of the existing agitation for state recognition and subsequent preservation of indigenous languages. A majority of these tribes do inhabit administrative regions – Comarca indigenas – that are present in areas with considerable Indian populations (Indigenous Groups of Panama, 2014). Concerning these administrative regions, three main comarcas exist, which are equated to a province. Two others, which are smaller, are subordinate to another of the state’s provinces, hence being considered as equating to a municipality. The sheer presence of these five regions of administration, supporting the minority populations, which make up Panama’s indigenous people, ought to be enough reason for government concern and consideration. This is in respect to not only considering, but also protecting and further enhancing the rights of these indigenous populations; of which one avenue would be the preservation of their languages and/ dialects. These indigenous languages include the Ngà ¤be-Bugle and Kuna languages (spoken by the majority), in addition to the Embera, Wounaan, Naso-Teribe, and Bri-bri languages (Major Languages of Panama, 2014). Comprising of seven indigenous nations living within the Republic of Panama, as the agency – IWGIA (2012) provides, these include the Bugle, Kuna, Ngabe, Wounaan, Bri-bri, Embera and the Naso Tjerdi. As a minority, they have and continued being fundamentally influenced by the Spanish Influence traceable to the reign of the Spanish Empire in Latin America. As a result, Spanish (Latino) is the most-widely spoken of languages, not only in the Panama Republic, but the larger Latin American region. With the advent of Spanish colonization and influence role, the Catholic Church’s reach attesting to this being the fact that majority of Latin Americans are Catholics. This religious influence, augmented by Spanish socio-cultural, political and economic